ENGLISH SECTION Festival Daily SPECIAL EDITION OF THE OFFICIAL ENGLISH DAILY OF THE 47TH KARLOVY VARY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Saturday, July 7, 2012 free • strana / page 1 star Josef day KVIFF in quotes DIVÁCKÁ CENA / AUDIENCE AWARD Today’s program The Joke Somr has the last laugh and quips DENÍKU Vote for the best film of the 47th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival! strana/page 6, 7, 8 strana/page 3 9 strana/page 4 strana/page 2 THE LOWDOWN Even the jaded members of A sense of humor is vital the international film press get a bit distracted at the sight of such a gracious and politically Susan Sarandon on family dynamics and the ‘enforced compassion’ of film savvy actress such as Susan Veronika Bednářová n Did that come from your Sarandon. So it was that, at her family? I don’t think you can press conference on Friday, learn it. most arrived early to beat the Actress Susan Sarandon will be heavy security phalanx but then No, I don’t think you can learn awarded a Crystal Globe for Out- found themselves constantly it. Luckily all of my children are standing Contribution to World turning in their seats to see if very funny, because really Cinema at today’s Official Clos- the great lady had yet arrived. I would have kicked them out ing Ceremony of the 47th When she finally did, after long ago if they weren’t funny. It Karlovy Vary International Film the electrical storm of flashes is a way of looking at things, it is Festival. Yesterday she introduced firing, she settled right into a defense mechanism, it is a way the screening of Jeff, Who Lives a talk that seemed surprisingly at Home (directed by Jay and of surviving. I’m the oldest of natural and relaxed. As one cor- Mark Duplass), in which she nine children and I think pretty respondent asked about her plays Jeff’s mother. much all of us have a sense of hu- work, it became clear that n In Jeff, Who Lives at Home mor. n Sarandon likes to look people your character has a life; That must have made for in the eye when she speaks to there’s an independent story- a pretty busy household. them. That’s not always easy line evolving next to the one It was total chaos. Neither of when photographers are contin- about her two sons. Were you my parents had families really, so uing to pop up in her line of surprised when you read the they didn’t know what they were sight, so eventually, the ques- script? doing. My mom grew up in an in- tioner found it best to stand up I was very moved by the whole stitution. My father’s father died to get his answer – and Saran- script when I read it because fam- when he was quite young and he don, just to be fair, stood up her- ily is so important and I liked the was raised by different siblings. self to continue her response. fact that they talked about how So then they got together and, Among the subjects covered easy it is to get stuck in your life. thanks to the Catholic Church, were what she thought was the Here are people who all think had all of these children. And I’m hardest thing about her choice they’re doing the right thing and grateful now because I think it of professions (“Learning how none of them are happy. There is was good conditioning. I don’t to pack and to survive in a busi- this very important day in all of think I would have been very ness that doesn’t encourage you their lives and this woman is won- pragmatic if I hadn’t been the old- to either get old or fat,” she an- dering “Where did I go wrong? est. I tended to be introverted and swered), the secret to success in I don’t like my children any more. shy and a little bit spacey and it a mature actress (“I’ve done I’m stuck in a job I don’t like. I’ve made me much more practical, everything wrong,” she said, so given up all my dreams.” Yet, being the eldest. she’s the wrong one to ask), and family is very important to her. n Your characters seem what will happen to her new The kid that seems to be doing strong but then you look deeper Crystal Globe for outstanding everything right is even more un- and they’re much more com- artistic achievement when she happy than the stoner. His mar- Photo: Jan Handrejch plex. shoots her KVIFF trailer. riage is falling apart. And I think Definitely when I’m playing Of all the questions thrown at that they’re very close to their Crystal Globe winner Susan Sarandon. them they don’t feel strong. her, this looked like the only parents and they’re very close to They’re all people who are in one to cause much confusion. each other – the Duplass brothers. No, I have plenty of days when er to nag about coming in for din- desperate times that’s what saves some place where they have to de- Apparently no one had yet ex- Mark has a wife who makes I don’t feel attractive. I think that ner and doing your homework... you. When you lose your sense of cide to be the protagonist in their plained to her the storyline in movies and is an actress and a di- one of the most tragic things that And after a while you just turn in- humor and your perspective that’s own life... I think it takes an enor- the festival trailers that Globe rector. I think they’re very open. can happen is when you lose your to this grouch that you don’t want when you’re really in trouble. mous amount of courage to ever winners invariably shoot. n Jay’s wife is also very independ- sense of humor, and she’s just to be but if you’re a serious mom I think in films we frame a situa- reach out to another human being ent and a really great gal and gotten herself to the point where that can become your job. I total- tion. We frame your life for you. in an intimate fashion and what I think they’re just indicative of she feels so taken advantage of by ly understood...how that happens. To give you some perspective. I like about this movie and the re- a new generation of people who the son who is at home. I under- n How important is your And they also give you the op- lationship with the woman is that NOTICE see female characters as multidi- stand how that happens because sense of humor for you at work portunity to identify with some- you don’t know quite what’s go- There will be an extra screen- mensional. the way that parenting is set up and in life? one that’s different than you ing to happen...I think what she ing of Jeff, Who Lives at n You play a woman who anyway, usually the woman is Everything. I make it a rule not are...there’s this kind of enforced gets in this film is this opportuni- Home, starring Susan Saran- doesn’t feel attractive any Wendy and the father is Peter to ever even have sex with some- compassion. And that’s really ty – when nobody has really been more. Was that a challenge for Pan. He’s the one that represents one who doesn’t have a sense of great too, but definitely humor is hearing her or seeing her – to have don, at 11pm tonight at KVIFF’s Outdoor Cinema. n you? all the fun and it’s up to the moth- irony...I think even in the most at the top of my list. a shot at that again. n
SEE YOU THERE EXPLAINER Jiří Bartoška And the winner is...? Despite ever-increasing scrutiny by a Crystal Globe given out for out- KVIFF President airport security staff, filmmakers standing artistic achievement, which whose work is competing at KVIFF Helen Mirren and Susan Sarandon Even though I won’t have much always love hauling home the bulky, have received this year. time today, I will try and see the breakable, and provocatively shaped All the other statuettes (which come American movie Keep the Lights Crystal Globe award (pictured). in both a large silver and large gold On. Director Ira Sachs was here and Created from a live model by version) may be physically identical he seems to be a very interesting artists Aleš Najbrt, Šimon Caban and but are not officially Crystal Globes. person, and besides, it takes place in Michal Caban, and Slovak art pho- That means the jury prize winner, best my beloved New York. I would also tographer Tono Stano, the statuette director, actor and actress have lovely like to see at least one film from the Jean-Pierre Melville tribute to re- holds aloft an orb of the finest Moser trophies for their mantelpieces...but mind myself of my youth. I am very crystal, a look the prize has flaunted they’re not Crystal Globes. tempted by Le Doulos, if only be- since the 36th edition of the festival The documentary winner? That’s cause of Jean-Paul Belmondo ap- in 2001. Interestingly enough, the the Grand Prix for Best Documentary peared in it in one of his memorable form of the nude girl hoisting the Film. East of the West? East of the roles. glass was borrowed from “second KVIFF Photo: West Award. Forum of Independents? Vice-Miss” Czech Republic Ema Independent Camera Award. Keep the Lights On screens to- Černáková, according to the folks at Moser. Often a major international star such as John day at 10:30am in the Thermal’s Aside from the globe’s resale value on eBay, it Turturro, Jude Law, or Antonio Banderas will drop Congress Hall. You can see Le comes with a handy $25,000 – that is, when it’s for in on KVIFF and the festival is always happy to Doulos at 1pm in the Drahomíra best feature film (and the rules specify the sum is to honor their work too. But they will find their nude Cinema. (COC) Photo: Jan Handrejch be divided between director and producer so there’s and glass ball is actually the Festival President’s no need for tussles over the goods). There’s also Award. (WT)
[email protected] FESTIVAL DAILY THE OFFICIAL ENGLISH DAILY OF THE 47TH KARLOVY VARY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL STRANA / PAGE 2 SATURDAY, JULY 7, 2012
WHAT AM I DOING HERE? The jury is out... Anna Franklin, Editor-in-Chief, Film New Europe Will Tizard United States n What do you do here? The Official Selection jury, who at I’m the editor-in-chief of press time were debating on whom to the European Union’s me- bestow the possibly career-starting dia-sponsored film news honor of a Crystal Globe, is made up outlet Film New Europe, of some thorough film professionals which is specifically fo- and their work this week has been cused on the countries of systematic and unrelenting. Central and Eastern Europe. Grand Jury president Richard Karlovy Vary is one of our Peña, program director of the New most important partners. York Film Festival since 1988, says For the last four years we the films competing this year are have been the main media partner of the East of the West telling about young filmmakers. competition and there’s real synergy because we are ded- “There were a lot of first films and icated to the countries of Central and Eastern Europe. certainly that’s a good sign,” he says. n Is there anything about the films that come from At the same time, he notes, “I think this part of the world that distinguish them from cin- that, to the minds of myself and my ema in other regions? fellow jurors, there was, to several of The films from Central and Eastern Europe are very the films, a certain heaviness. diverse because we cover a wide range of countries, but They’ve taken the gloves off.” I have to say they have a gritty realism and down-to-earth That can cut two ways, of course, quality that are often missing in films from other places. explains Peña, who is also program n What does a typical day at the festival look like director of the Film Society of Lin- Photo: KVIFF for you? coln Center in New York and profes- The KVIFF Grand Jury (left to right): Makram Khoury, Ivo Mathé, Richard Peña, Maria Hatzakou, FNE Daily publishes every day. Most of the people sor of film studies at Columbia Uni- Joanna Kos-Krauze, François Papineau, Rajko Grlić. who are at the festival tell me they are getting it, so every versity. day I spend hours on the computer getting FNE out. Then “It’s an interesting thing to see film- As for the selection process, Peña a Greek producer, has been a pro- working for Václav Havel as head of I see films from Central and Eastern Europe. And I meet makers with that kind of courage,” he describes it as intensive. grammer for the Athens and Thessa- the Presidential Office. Quebec actor and interview people from the region. says. “On the other hand, it can lead to “I like to have each of the jurors loniki film festivals. Makram François Papineau has made more n certain films that are almost built for talk about each of the films,” he says, Khoury, a Palestinian-Israeli actor than 20 films, including Catherine You’ve been coming to KVIFF for a long time a festival.” That is, films that are “a bit “and have their own space.” After who appeared in Steven Spielberg’s Martin’s Mourning for Anna, which haven’t you? How has the fest changed over the hermetic, a bit closed off…made as viewing a certain number of the 12 Munich, was the first Arab to win the screened in competition here in 2010. years? a statement in a way.” competing features, it’s usual that Israel Prize, the country’s highest Peña admits there’s yet another as- My first KVIFF was in 1992 when I was Bureau Chief What Peña in particular looks out a few drop off the list so that the pan- artistic honor. pect to the process that’s as important for Screen International in Central and Eastern Europe. for in a film, he says, is the right mix el members can focus more intensely Polish director and screenwriter as all of the above – and perhaps even So I guess you could say this year is 20 years of Karlovy between form and content. on those remaining. Joanna Kos-Krauze worked with more rewarding. The winner of Vary for me. It’s become much more efficient over the At a festival such as KVIFF, he At that point, all the ideas, debates her husband Krzysztof Krauze on the KVIFF’s top honor may well be able years, much more of a well-functioning machine. But says, he hopes to see “something new and criteria of each of the remaining script for his film My Nikifor, which to use that as a springboard toward those interesting high-backed chairs in the Thermal, from and fresh,” but also balanced. six jurors come into play. And with won the Crystal Globe for Best Film building a lifelong career in film- the Soviet period, are still here! FNE As he puts it, “Films are always on a group such as this one, it’s clear at KVIFF 2005. making. n Have you done any useful business at a continuum, with tremendous formal there is always much to discuss. Ivo Mathé is Rector of the Czech If they do, says the jury president, KVIFF? innovation on one end and terrific so- Juror Rajko Grlić, a Croatian film Academy of Performing Arts and in the members hope someone will be Well on August 1, we’re going to launch FNE TV and cial relevance on the other. The best director, won at KVIFF 2010 for Just 1991 he became the first general di- able to say it all began “right here at we found some great talent, based in Prague, who are go- films meet in the middle.” Between Us. Maria Hatzakou, rector of Czech Television, before Karlovy Vary.” n ing to help us with this. (COC)
Festival figures* KINO BEZ BARIÉR NA 47. MEZINÁRODNÍM FILMOVÉM 120,385 tickets sold 72 films on 35mm FESTIVALU KARLOVY VARY 11,302 accredited participants, including 23 world premieres 9,430 Festival Pass holders 35 international premieres 402 filmmakers 8 European premieres Nabízí Asistenční servis Bezplatnou dopravu 803 film professionals 56 debut films po Karlových Varech Volné vstupenky a jejich 2012 667 journalists 61 films in search of an international sales agent rezervace Informační servis 355 screenings 18,292 Facebook fans Kontaktní místa 218 films, including 1,170 Twitter followers Centrála projektu v akreditačním 34 short films (958 in Czech, 212 in English) 29. 6. – 7. 7. 6. – 7. 29. centru hotelu Thermal 56 documentaries 50 items reported lost at the Info Desk
Kompletní informace Statistics valid as of 5pm yesterday. Final statistics will be released later today. (COC/IP)
www.kinobezbarier.cz Czech, please! Given the Czechs’ penchant for littering their native tongue with almost-impossible sounds and utter- ances, it’s not surprising that their language lends itself to the jazykolam or tongue-twister. Here’s a cou- ple that might make for an interesting party piece someday. (The last one, in particular, is a real doozy, even for Czechs!) Strč prst skrz krk (strtch pirst skirz kirk) − Thrust your finger through your throat Nenaolejuje-li mě Julie, naolejuji Julii já (nehnah-olay-yoo-yeh myeh yoolia nah-olay-yoo-yeh yoolee yah) − If Julia does not oil me, I will oil Julia. Kmotře Petře, nepřepepřete mi toho vepře (ki-mo-trshe petrshe neh-prshep-ep-rsheh-tay mee toe-hoe vep-rshe) − Godfather Peter, don’t put too much pepper on the pork. Mařenka s Jiřinkou přikryjí se peřinkou. Pod peřinkou dobře je, peřinka je zahřeje (marshenka suh yirsh-enko prshee-kree-yee suh pershinko pod pershinko dobrshe yeh pershinkah yeh zah-rshay-eh) − Little Mary and little Georgina will cover themselves with a blanket. It’s good underneath the blanket, the blanket will keep them warm. Byl jeden Řek a ten mi řek, abych mu řek, kolik je v Řecku řeckých řek, a já mu řek, že nejsem Řek, abych mu řek, kolik je v Řecku řeckých řek (bil yed-en rshek ah ten mee rshek a-beek moo rshek kol- ik yeh vrshetsku rshetskee rshek ah yaw moo rshek ze nay-sem rshek a-beek moo rshek kol-ik yeh vr- shetsku rshetskee rshek) − A Greek told me to tell him how many Greek rivers there are in Greece and I told him I could not tell him how many Greek rivers there are in Greece as I was not Greek. Šla Prokopka pro Prokopa, pojď, Prokope, po příkopě, pro trochu oukropa Sponzor projektu Partner projektu Partner projektu (shlah pro-kop-kah pro pro-kopah poyd pro-kop-eh poe prshee-kop-yeh pro trokhoo oak-roppa) − Mrs Prokop went to fetch Mr Prokop. Come, Mr Prokop, along a ditch to get some soup Film Servis Festival Karlovy Vary, a.s. Náš pan kaplan v kapli plakal (nahsh pan kaplann v kaplee plak-al) − Our chaplain cried in the chapel. Panská 1, 110 00 Praha 1 | T: 221 411 028 | F: 221 411 033 | E: [email protected] Tři sta třicet tři stříbrných stříkaček stříkalo přes tři sta třicet tři stříbrných střech (trshee stah trshee- tset trshee strshee-birn-eek strshee-kahtchek strshee-kahlo prshess trshee stah trshee-tset trshee strshee- birn-eek strshrek) − 333 silver sprinklers sprinkled over 333 silver roofs (COC/PH)
[email protected] FESTIVAL DAILY THE OFFICIAL ENGLISH DAILY OF THE 47TH KARLOVY VARY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL SATURDAY, JULY 7, 2012 STRANA / PAGE 3 Josef Somr gets the last laugh Peter Le Couteur doesn’t get out of bed, the other men in the barracks play a joke on him, dousing him with a bucket of “It makes me sick...The songs water. He doesn’t get up, having are as lovely as ever, but every- died in the night. thing else has changed.” So says Somr’s part in the film is central Ludvík, the disillusioned Commu- to its bleak success. He is a master nist Party member bent on revenge of understated expression, and his played by Czech acting legend transformation from an idealistic Josef Somr in Milan Kundera and young communist into a bitter and Jaromil Jireš’s The Joke. Somr vicious cynic complicit in the de- was at KVIFF this year to receive struction of others is utterly con- an Award for Outstanding Artistic vincing. Playing a huge number of Contribution to Czech Cinema, roles over the years, from seducer and The Joke is the film that is be- to wise patriarch, Somr now con- ing screened in his honor. Co-writ- fines himself mostly to voiceover ten with Kundera even before his work. With characteristic self-dep- 1967 debut novel was published, recation, he told the Festival Dai- Jireš used the relative freedoms of ly he no longer has the courage to the 1968 Prague Spring to get the appear before the camera or a live film made. But when the Soviets audience; “Who’s going to watch rolled into town in August, they me or listen to me anyway?” Since immediately banned it, confiscat- his film work began around 1965, ing all copies despite the fact that, Josef Somr with Jana Dítětová in The Joke (1968). Josef Somr today. Somr has appeared in more than on the surface, the film’s scathing 170 titles. The Joke, though so ear- ironies seemed to be directed miracle that such a critical film ever. In fact, Somr told us, “I’ve is committing suicide only to relay race is the start of one of the ly in his epic career in cinema, squarely at the Stalinist past. survived. The disillusionment ex- never seen The Joke, the complete learn that she has taken a large many “jokes” of the film, the cen- achieves its goals as a result of his (Which had in fact been de- pressed with the film goes far be- film, on the big screen. I saw bits number of laxative tablets.” The tral one being that the sole victim effortlessly natural performance. nounced by Khrushchev in 1956, yond the easy target of tyrannical on various occasions when I pre- New York Times reviewer is oddly of Ludvík’s revenge is just one Somr knew he wanted to be an ac- though that speech was only offi- Stalinist hypocrisy. It is also a bit- sented the movie. Then someone callous: accusing the film of being more of the people already tram- tor from a young age, studying at cially published in Russia in ter look at the exploitation of said let’s go for a beer and I was “somewhat banal” because it pled by his enemy. Back in the acting school in Brno despite the 1988). Josef Somr, talking to the naive and idealistic youth by the glad, because usually I suffered achieves its goals so early. “There past, the son of a Party official at- horror of his family. “I think [my Festival Daily’s Veronika Bed- callous depredations of older gen- watching it.” isn't much for the mind and the tacked by the regime is interred parents] would have disinherited nářová, said the censorship was no erations. The film is unrelenting in It’s easy to understand Somr’s eye to do,” he complains, “but to alongside our anti-hero in a “re- me, had it been possible. It was surprise. In fact, he remembers, its analysis of the machinery of reaction. The Joke is painful to consider the incriminating, repet- form unit” in the army. The young such a terrible blow for them...It “We didn’t know whether the film society, with far wider implica- watch, perhaps the archetypical itive details of lives made bitter, man is a naively ardent supporter was a total disaster.” Desperate, would be finished at all, whether tions for human nature than the Czech expression of bitter dissat- empty and hypocritical under of the Party, denouncing his own Somr’s parents turned for help to the authorities would allow us to simple denunciation of a brutal isfaction, a natural successor to Stalinist communism.” father and refusing to admit – “be- his uncle, a Catholic priest, to try finish it.” regime. In the current climate of Kafka. Its tone is determinedly The events of the past are inter- cause he is a communist” – that to dissuade him. Instead, the priest The fact that KVIFF audiences one corruption scandal after an- ironic and cynical, and any humor mixed with the present so skillful- the relay race has tired him. He’s supported him, telling the horri- can watch this film (4:30pm to- other, with “free” Czech politics is coal-black. As the original 1968 ly in The Joke that the film attains then excommunicated from the fied couple that an actor can speak day at Lázně III) is a testament more and more resembling an ab- New York Times review put it, “a that rarest of cinematic feats; it is Party for informing on a superior, to people, can make a difference. to a triumph of art over oppres- surd mud fight and many former lethargic relay race in an Army stylistically groundbreaking and and then worked harder and hard- In The Joke, Somr proved beyond sion; so much was destroyed dur- Party officials rolling in money, prison is very funny, as is the hu- eminently readable at the same er despite an evident lung con- a shadow of a doubt that his uncle ing Soviet occupation, it is a small The Joke is more relevant than miliation of a lady who thinks she time. The aftermath of the pitiful dition. One morning, when he was right. n
REVIEWERS RECOMMEND Mark Adams Chief Film Critic, Screen International
Room 237 Director: Rodney Ascher USA, 2012, 104 min July 7, 10am, Čas Cinema A cineaste’s delight, Room 237 is the perfect vehicle for film obsessives – in this case the film in question is Stanley Kubrick’s The Shining, certainly one of the great cult films and if this in- triguing and entertaining project is anything to go by a film that deserves deep, deep, deep analysis. Broken up into a series of different sections, Kubrick (or rather The Shining) obsessives mull over the subliminal aspects of the film and construct a series of baf- fling, beguiling, and often funny theories that take on board Native American Indians, the Holo- caust, architecture and World War II. The Kubrick estate may well increasingly attempt to block Autentická česká a asijská kuchyně. screenings, so see this oddball little gem while you still can. Unikátní lázně v bývalé renesanční kapli. Originální koktejly v moderním baru. Nezapomenutelné oslavy, bankety, svatby. Searching For Sugar Man Nejpříjemnější personál v Praze. Director: Malik Bendjelloul UK, Sweden, 83 min July 7, 4pm, Drahomíra Cinema Víc než jen luxusní postele. A truly fascinating documentary – and one of the hits of Sun- dance this year – that follows the amazing story of Detroit-based singer Rodriguez. In the late 1960s his debut album Cold Fact was well-reviewed but he never broke into the big-time and gradually faded away. In Apartheid South Africa, his music became an underground anthem and his albums sold well, though fans were mortified by the rumor that he had killed himself onstage at a concert. A South African music writer decided to play detective, eventually managing to contact Rodriguez’s daughter…and set in motion an amazing detective story. With smart animation, great music footage and moving interviews, director Malik Bendjelloul gradually unveils a stunning mu- sic story. The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp Directors: Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger UK, 1943, 164 min July 7, 6:30 pm, Čas Cinema One of the great British films, and certainly one of the mas- terpieces from the artistically successful pairing of Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger, this version of The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp has been digitally remastered and is a treat to see up on the big screen. Roger Livesey is sublime as the genial General Candy. This gentlemanly military man spans four- decades of a busy military and private life (with Deborah Kerr wonderful as the three women who have an impact on him) as he continues to retain an unwavering friendship with a German officer
(Anton Walbrook). Lush, funny, dramatic and gently moving, The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp Nebovidská 459/1, 118 00 Praha 1, tel.: 233 088 888, www.MandarinOriental.com/Prague is one of those must-see films. n
[email protected] FESTIVAL DAILY THE OFFICIAL ENGLISH DAILY OF THE 47TH KARLOVY VARY INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL STRANA / PAGE 4 SATURDAY, JULY 7, 2012 KVIFF in quotes and quips “My aunt got holy water and “I’m not an optimist. I believe that “I never felt particularly empow- “When you are used to being di- “We brought our brains, a couple blessed the video recorder before she reality is even worse than the worst ered by that experience. It was some- rected by your wife in every other de- of tongues in a jar, and a stuffed otter. put in the tape of The Exorcist.” conspiracy theories.” thing I sort of gritted my teeth and tail of your life, it is, in fact, a once- Everything else was there.” got on with.” in-a-decade opportunity to have your say and finally wear the trousers.”
Mark Cousins on the power of cinema in a Catholic family. Helen Mirren on nudity The Last Step director Casey Walker “I used to joke that my movie is Ektoras Lygizos, keeping it light. in film. Ali Mosaffa on directing his on finding the perfect about ‘If someone dies and leaves actress wife Leila Hatami. butcher-shop location you an opera ticket, everything will “How will Husák be rated in 50 “I distinctly remember the sword- for his zombie flick. turn out all right.’” years’ time? As an insignificant fight against the skeletons. It seemed “I feel so good when I'm teach- “You're just trying to make sure politician in the era of Karel Gott.” rather sad, as there's no way you can ing...that I'm not one of my students.” stab a skeleton.” I really don't work again.”
Helena Třeštíková shares Grand Jury President Richard Susan Sarandon Kenneth Lonergan on getting a joke about a certain Pena˜ on seeing Jason and Todd Solondz on his unusual on being questioned one’s priorities straight. communist-era singer. the Argonauts as a child. approach to education. about Obama’s chances.
ON THE TOWN We’ve got a real treat in Ventura Pub sive range of steaks for 270-350 store tonight to mark the clos- Jízdárenská 1 CZK as well as a nice selection of ing of another epic KVIFF. ☎ 353 228 507 (mainly potato) sides for 30-40 Here in the Czech Republic www.evropak.cz CZK. The smoky interior might for the first time is one of Open Sun-Thur not be everyone’s taste, but this is Nairobi’s most famous bands; 10:30am-midnight offset by the lively atmosphere and the multiple award-winning (till 1am Fri, Sat) friendly attentive staff. (COC) Sauti Sol play the Thermal There are only 23 KV eateries podium at 8pm tonight! Since rated on tripadviser, but this one Fresh Bar Lázně III their debut CD became tops the rankings, even edging out Mlýnské nábřeží 5 Kenya’s top seller in 2009, the swanky Promenáda on Tržiště. Open noon-4am Sauti Sol have been blending It’s easy to see why visitors liked Probably the best-situated spot sophisticated vocal harmonies, Ventura, as it offers a pretty au- for watching the film world glide polyrhythmic percussion, and thentic Czech pub experience by is this hipster cafe that springs world indie influences with (with pleasingly authentic prices to life during every festival in a message of political hope for to boot!) You can get an excellent front of one of the city's most his- Kenya’s youth. Since the re- Pilsner beer (stored in vats) for 33 toric spas. It's mainly for light but Photo: KVIFF lease of their second album in CZK, which is about half what it tasty fare, such as chorizo panini The smoky but lively Ventura is an ace place for a beer and a bite. 2011, Sauti Sol has toured costs in many places downtown. (70 CZK), chicken wraps (85 widely, generating a lot of in- They also do typical Czech bar CZK), and desserts and drinks, those places that dumps a big here fall squarely between the on the city’s prime strolling space, terest in Europe and America. food, including chicken breast but in this kind of heat who wants scoop of ice cream and syrup into highest end, charged by bars especially in the company of a fes- This is a witty, skillful, and ar- with peach and cheese (165 CZK) a heavy Czech trad meal anyway? the glass – or a mojito (99 CZK) around the Thermal, and the low- tive fest crowd, but never fraught ticulate demonstration of and a nice pork tenderloin with A white faux-leather sofa for or three is a recipe for serious re- est, employed by local bars a half- with the noise and crowd levels of what’s happening in Africa at blue cheese, apples, and almonds settling in with an iced coffee (60 freshment. And on the KVIFF kilometer or more out. the Jameson Lounge or F-Bar, this the moment. (PLC) (165 CZK). You can get an exten- CZK) – note that this is one of scale of price gouging, cocktails In other words, for a prime spot is a serious deal. (WT) DAILIES
Photo: Jan Handrejch Photo: Milan Malíček Susan Sarandon waves to the crowd at the Thermal. Kara Hayward with producer Jeremy Dawson. Todd Solondz’s KVIFF talk as seen by Kristina Weiserová.